"To me, to a brother?" said Felton.

Milady looked at him for some time with an expression which the young
man took for doubt, but which, however, was nothing but observation, or
rather the wish to fascinate.

Felton, in his turn a suppliant, clasped his hands.

"Well, then," said Milady, "I confide in my brother; I will dare to--"

At this moment the steps of Lord de Winter were heard; but this time
the terrible brother-in-law of Milady did not content himself, as on
the preceding day, with passing before the door and going away again. He
paused, exchanged two words with the sentinel; then the door opened, and
he appeared.

During the exchange of these two words Felton drew back quickly, and
when Lord de Winter entered, he was several paces from the prisoner.

The baron entered slowly, sending a scrutinizing glance from Milady to
the young officer.

"You have been here a very long time, John," said he. "Has this woman
been relating her crimes to you? In that case I can comprehend the
length of the conversation."

Felton started; and Milady felt she was lost if she did not come to the
assistance of the disconcerted Puritan.

"Ah, you fear your prisoner should escape!" said she. "Well, ask your
worthy jailer what favor I this instant solicited of him."

"You demanded a favor?" said the baron, suspiciously.

"Yes, my Lord," replied the young man, confused.

"And what favor, pray?" asked Lord de Winter.

"A knife, which she would return to me through the grating of the door a
minute after she had received it," replied Felton.

"There is someone, then, concealed here whose throat this amiable lady
is desirous of cutting," said de Winter, in an ironical, contemptuous
tone.

"There is myself," replied Milady.

"I have given you the choice between America and Tyburn," replied Lord
de Winter. "Choose Tyburn, madame. Believe me, the cord is more certain
than the knife."

Felton grew pale, and made a step forward, remembering that at the
moment he entered Milady had a rope in her hand.

"You are right," said she, "I have often thought of it." Then she added
in a low voice, "And I will think of it again."

Felton felt a shudder run to the marrow of his bones; probably Lord de
Winter perceived this emotion.

"Mistrust yourself, John," said he. "I have placed reliance upon you,
my friend. Beware! I have warned you! But be of good courage, my lad; in
three days we shall be delivered from this creature, and